2003 Pontet Canet
By Chateau Pontet Canet
2003 Pontet Canet from Chateau Pontet Canet, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2003 vintage grant us a voluminous narrative in the annals of Bordeaux, notably at the welcoming gates of Chateau Pontet Canet. The estate, a distinguished figure amidst the constellation of Pauillac wines, delivers an anthology of flavour and refinement that bears the indelible stamp of the torrid 2003 summer.
A Vintage Carved by Sunlight
The growing season of 2003 was marked by extreme heat, which nestled in early and nested until harvest's end. This climatic idiosyncrasy beckoned a new dimension of ripeness to the usually reserved fruit, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for investors and oenophiles alike. The 2003 Pontet Canet rose masterfully to the occasion, exuding a remarkable concentration of cassis and blackberry compote interlaced with subtle hints of cigar box and tannic whisperings that now possess an elegant softness.
The Patina of Time
Two decades on, the 2003 vintage from Chateau Pontet Canet has emerged from its youthful ebullience into a state of grace. The wine's evolution can be best described as a ballet of power and finesse—its once impetuous tannins have schooled themselves into refined layers, supporting the lustrous dark fruit core which remains prodigiously vivacious. The integration of oak has given rise to tertiary notes; autumnal underbrush and refined leather that paint strokes across the palate in broad yet detailed gestures.
The terroir influence is pronounced in this expression, with the graveled soil contributing a certain litheness to the overall structure—endeavouring to remind one that beneath the opulence lies an earthborn elegance unique to Pauillac.
A reasoned investment in fine wines such as the 2003 Pontet Canet can pay dividends not only for the pocketbook but for the soul. Differing from prior vintages by its unique climatic narrative, this wine is an articulate testament to historical conditions harvested into liquid legacy. The certainty it brings to sacrament and cellar is unwavering; an investment in this vintage is an homage to history's most fervent sun.
Market price (USD)
$1,150.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
63.33
Scores and tasting notes
The spectacular 2003 Pontet Canet is still incredibly young and vigorous. This full-bodied classic boasts a dense purple color as well as a superb nose of graphite, creme de cassis, forest floor, licorice and a hint of truffles, low acidity, and extravagant richness. Most of the tannins have been resolved in this superstar of the vintage. It should continue to drink well for 10-15+ years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 August 2014
One cannot say enough about the labors of proprietor Alfred Tesseron, who has personally overseen the dramatic increase in quality of the wines at Pontet-Canet which started in a significant manner with 1994. This is a classic Pauillac-styled wine (meaning oodles of cassis flavors), as one might expect from a vineyard on the plateau of Pauillac, across the street from Mouton-Rothschild. One of the great successes of the vintage and certainly one of the most profound Pontet-Canets made over the last decade is the 2003. Deep purple to the rim with a glorious nose of scorched earth, black currant jam, smoke, licorice, and roasted meats, it is full-bodied, incredibly powerful, dense, with low acidity but high tannin, broad-shouldered, and savory. This is a stunning, pure, classic Pontet-Canet that should be at its best between 2010 and 2035.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #164 April 2006
Pure ripe fruit on the nose with raspberries and blueberries. Full bodied, with round and silky tannins and a pretty polish to this ripe and fruit forward wine. Pull the cork after 2014. Find the wine
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, March 14th 2011
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's "10-Year On" tasting in London. The Pontet-Canet 2003 has a very pure, quite alluring bouquet with blackberry and a touch of blueberry, mint and cedar. It is quite refined compared to recent vintage with very good focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a very supple, harmonious entry. This Pontet Canet is silky smooth and very composed, though it is missing a little complexity and ambition on the finish. But otherwise this is a lovely Pauillac that is drinking beautifully now. Tasted March 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013